With population growth, urbanisation and economic development, the demand for freshwater in urban areas are increasing throughout Europe. At the same time, climate change and pollution are also affecting the availability of water for city residents. How can Europe's cities continue providing clean freshwater to their residents?

In May 2008, the Council of Europe's Congress
of Local and Regional Authorities captured the
concerns and desires of urban policy‑makers
and citizens in the title of its new European
Urban Charter: Manifesto for a new urbanity.
Like numerous other international and European
charters, conventions and declarations, the
manifesto describes with some apprehension the
'unprecedented environmental, democratic, cultural,
social and economic challenges' facing urban centres
and their inhabitants.
Our report on quality of life in Europe's cities and
towns reiterates these concerns but also unravels the
many apparent paradoxes of urban development
and the sometimes perplexing realities of urban
Europe today. The report defines a vision for
progress towards a more sustainable, well‑designed
urban future.